Time to recharge batteries–development and validation of a pictorial scale of human energy

A common theme across phenomena like vitality, vigor, and fatigue is that they all refer to some aspect of energy. Since experience sampling methodology has become a major approach, there is a significant need for a time-effective and valid measure of energetic activation. In this study, we develop and examine the validity of a single-item pictorial scale of energetic activation. We examine the convergent, discriminant, and criterion-related validity of the pictorial scale and scrutinize the practical advantages of applying a pictorial vs. a purely verbal item concerning response latencies and user experience ratings. We conducted two consecutive experience sampling studies among 81 and 109 employees across 15 and 12 days, respectively. Multilevel confirmatory factor analyses provide evidence that the pictorial scale converges strongly with vitality and vigor, relates to fatigue, is distinct from facets of core affect, and shows expected correlations to antecedents of energetic activation. Energetic activation as measured with the pictorial scale was predicted by sleep quality and basic need satisfaction, and predicted work engagement. The pictorial scale was superior to a purely verbal scale regarding response latencies and participant-rated user experience. Hence, our scale provides a valid, time-efficient, and user-friendly scale suited for experience sampling research.